Aid & Attendance Pension
Eligibility & Explanation Of Benefits
Aid & Attendance – To qualify, you must be a wartime Veteran over 65 (or a surviving spouse) who needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. The benefit is income-based, meaning eligibility and payment amounts are determined by your household income and medical expenses.
About the Aid & Attendance Pension
What is the Aid & Attendance Benefit?
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension is a tax-free monthly benefit from the VA that helps wartime Veterans and surviving spouses pay for long-term care costs.
Who is eligible for these pension benefits?
To qualify, you must be a wartime Veteran over 65 (or a surviving spouse) who needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. The benefit is income-based, meaning eligibility and payment amounts are determined by your household income and medical expenses. Contact us today for more information!
What are the eligibility requirements for Aid & Attendance?
The VA uses four criteria to determine eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits. You must meet the requirements for each one:
1. Service Time
- Served at least 90 days on active duty during a wartime period
- Received an honorable discharge
- Surviving spouses of Veterans who meet these requirements are also eligible.
2. Income and Assets
Income and Assets The VA sets a maximum allowable income to qualify for benefits. This limit varies based on individual circumstances and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
3. Age
- Veterans under 65 must be totally disabled
- Veterans 65 and older have no disability requirement
- Surviving spouses have no age or disability requirement
4. Medical Condition
You must meet at least one of the following:
- Require another person’s help with daily activities (bathing, feeding, dressing, adjusting prosthetic devices, laundry, light housework, etc.)
- Are bedridden
- Are in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
- Have impaired eyesight (legally blind or nearly blind)
“In January of 2019, Veteran Caregivers helped my Dad, Huey Ortigo, get the full pension as a married Veteran, upon his passing they got the pension again for my Mom, Georgia. As stated, they got the full pension both times, it paid for in-home care which helped them remain at home and independent. My parents also received a cash portion as well each month until my Mom’s passing. Thank you so much to the VA and Veteran Caregivers for working together to help my parents get what they earned and so deserved.”
— Ronnie Ortigo